Applying Chemistry to Solve Humanitarian Problems Worldwide
Chemists Without Borders solves humanitarian problems by mobilizing the resources and expertise of the global chemistry community and its networks
Chemists Without Borders is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) and equal opportunity organization.
A hundred percent of donations go to serve humanitarian needs.
Subscribe for email updates to get our newsletter, notification of recent activities, and information on volunteer opportunities
Our Story
Reading the article “Carbohydrate Vaccines”, published in Chemical & Engineering News on August 9, 2004, Dr. Bego Gerber was appalled that there was an outstanding vaccine against typhoid fever sitting on the shelf unutilized at the National Institutes of Health while as many as 21 million people around the world have this terrible disease. This prompted a letter to the editor suggesting the creation of Chemists Without Borders to bring an end to such maldistribution.
Dr. Steven Chambreau responded to this letter, and although the pair had never met, they decided to pursue the development of Chemists Without Borders as a global humanitarian organization to utilize chemistry and mobilize chemists and their networks to solve humanitarian challenges.
Our Mission
Chemists Without Borders solves humanitarian problems by mobilizing the resources and expertise of the global chemistry community and its networks.
Our Gifts to Humanity
Fruit trees planted
Water wells tested for arsenic
Countries presence
To Know More
"Mobilizing Chemistry Expertise to Solve Humanitarian Problems" book published
In cooperation with the American Chemical Society, Chemists Without Borders wrote a two-volume book published by Oxford University Press. It expands on 2016 ACS symposium discussions and informs readers of current work applying chemistry to benefit underrepresented communities. Hardbound copies of the two volumes are available, Volume 1 and Volume 2.
We were also selected for one of the “Quotes of the Year” by Chemical & Engineering News:
Interact With Us
Assuring Water Quality Project
In 2015, high levels of lead were found in the water supply in Flint, Michigan. This problem occurred because Flint, in an effort to save money in April 2014…
Who We Are
We are a group of chemists and others, who have at heart the vision of a better world using the resources and expertise of the global chemistry community and its networks.
Conference Calls
Twice a month we hold a conference call to discuss topics of mutual interest and share knowledge, making it a perfect opportunity to connect with the Chemists Without Borders.
Stay Updated
Subscribe for email updates to get notified of recent activity and for information on volunteer opportunities.
Our Outreach in Countries shown in Blue
What People Say!
Bego Gerber
, Chemists Without Borders The Year
There are 20 million of us in the chemistry community, plus all the people they know. Imagine if we were all mobilized. I’d like to see the human race have everyone to be able to have clean water as a human right. Steve Chambreau, cofounder, Chemists Without Borders. American Chemical Society interview, 2009. Whenever I go to a doctor, I receive the advice to drink safe arsenic-free drinking water. Fortunately, I met the Chemists Without Borders Team a few days ago and came to know a lot about arsenic. A Bangladesh patient suffering from arsenic caused disease in a 2015 interview
Ecologically
, Botame Peter Ikome, Rural Development Centre (RUDEC)
On behalf of the Batoke community and RUDEC, I wish to thank you for supporting the farmers with 200 food trees. The entire world is currently experiencing the adverse effects of climate change & global warming and Cameroon including the Batoke community is not left out. Part of the solution to address the climate crisis is to plant trees and not just trees but trees which are beneficial to people such as food growing trees. With your support we were able to provide 200 food trees specifically; 100 avocado, 50 bush mango and 50 bitter Kola to the farmers in Batoke and in the next few years this trees will provide food for the growing Batoke population while reducing the impact of climate change. The news of your support came to us as a surprise and thanks to facilitation from Dr. Rolande Hodel of AIDSfreeAFRICA we were able to receive the support and deliver the project.
We are more than grateful for your generosity and leave the doors open for continuouscollaboration.
William Gilmore
, President, Rotary Club San Francisco
The Rotary Club provided a testimonial for the work we are doing with them at the High School in Bangladesh. I have also attached photos that can be used on the website, and have many more. Our water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project in Bangladesh had many moving parts. Chemist Without Borders kept our project moving every step of the way. The wisdom and technical expertise of Dr. Kurkjian and Dr. Garg help us secure a Global Grant, and design and implement our WASH program.
